OAR 629-048-0110: Characterization and Response to Smoke Incidents, Smoke Intrusions, and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Exceedances

(1)(a) When investigating or collecting information on smoke incidents or smoke intrusions, the department will attempt to characterize the impact as either a smoke intrusion or a smoke incident as defined in OAR 629-048-0005. (b) As used in the Smoke Management rules, "smoke intrusion" refers only to ground level prescribed burning smoke that enters an SSRA at particulate matter values defined in OAR 629-048-0005(27). (2) When measurements or observations are available, smoke incidents or smoke intrusions are characterized based on particulate matter values over a one-hour average period, or a 24-hour average period from midnight to midnight . (3) When no particulate matter data are available, smoke incidents or smoke intrusions are determined based on reduction in visibility averaged over a one-hour period using standard National Weather Service visibility observation criteria (Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 1) and a table of reductions keyed to various background visibility levels as displayed in Department Directive 1-4-1-601, “Operational Guidance for the Oregon Smoke Management Program.” (4) Smoke incidents and smoke intrusions will be documented and used to assess annual program performance. Department Directive 1-4-1-601 “Operational Guidance for the Oregon Smoke Management Program” will describe applicable reporting requirements and actions to be taken. (5) Smoke intrusions that average at or above the 24-hour average PM2.5 value of 35 microgram per cubic meter (NAAQS exceedance) will be reported to DEQ as soon as possible. Department Directive 1-4-1-601 “Operational Guidance for the Oregon Smoke Management Program” will describe applicable reporting requirements and adaptive management actions to be taken if this event occurs. [ED. NOTE: Department Directive 1-4-1-601 “Operational Guidance for the Oregon Smoke Management Program.” is available online at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Documents/Fire/smd.pdf]